The Next Generation of Couplings and Disconnects

Related Vendors

Another benefit of double ball-valve couplers when compared to bayonet-and-plunger styles is the double ball-valve coupler’s ease of maintenance. Because the design incorporates fewer parts than competitive technologies, it can be repaired on-site very easily, with no need for time-consuming and costly returns to the manufacturer or the need for in-the-field repair personnel to battle with complicated and confusing repair or maintenance instructions.

Safe an Sound Operation

Furthermore, for extremely product-sensitive operations, the double ball-valve style dry disconnect offers a keyed interface option that locks out and isolates transfer lines. This means a specific coupler can only be used with a specific hose or loading arm which helps to prevent cross-contamination.

Achieving safe operation and cost-effectiveness is a day-to-day challenge for chemical manufacturers and handlers, especially when the finished products that are created and raw materials that are used are both hazardous and expensive. With many production operations requiring large tank farms and the transfer of thousands of gallons of raw materials and end products on a daily basis, the type of dry disconnect coupler used, and the technology’s ability to optimize reliability, safety and cost is a critical consideration.

Additional Information

Poppet-Style vs. Ball Valve-Style Dry Disconnect Couplers

Technology Compared

A leader in the development of double ball-valve dry disconnect technology has been OPW Engineered Systems, Lebanon, OH. Specifically, it has developed the Epsilon®, which is a low-spill double ball-valve dry disconnect coupling that has been designed to provide for product flow through an unrestricted flow path with double shutoff reliability in the coupling connection.

The illustrations below show how the Epsilon’s method of operation can outperform traditional poppet-style couplers when handling hazardous or dangerous chemicals

Poppet-Style Design

When utilizing poppet-style disconnects, liquid transfer is initiated when the poppets are opened by the operator (Step 1). The liquid transfer is completed when the operator closes the poppets (Step 2). However, at this time, a small of mount of liquid can be trapped, and during disconnection it is possible that the trapped liquid can escape, leading to a minor product spill (Step 3).

Ball- Valve-Style Design

The unique ball-valve operation of the Epsilon disconnect allows a convex ball to seat with a convex ball when the valve is opened (Step 1). This straight-through design allows the liquid to transfer through the adaptor and coupling with no reduction in flow rate (Step 2). Upon disconnection there are no cavities created in which product can nest, meaning no product will be spilled (Step 3). This no-spill operation is accomplished through the use of five independent and redundant mechanical interlocks that require deliberate sequential action by users, thereby eliminating unintentional spills and catastrophic chemical releases.

The Final Frotier of Couplings?

While bayonet-and-plunger coupler technologies have proven to be effective in meeting the basic needs of liquid transfer, the process can be taken to the next level with the use of a next-generation technology like the double ball-valve dry disconnect coupler.

This best-in-class technology provides the operational advantages – reliable, safe and leak-free product containment; full-flow capability; regulatory compliance; and ease of repair and maintenance – that will enable manufacturers and handlers to get a good night’s sleep and hopefully eventually help put organizations like the National Response Center out of business.

* * The author is Director of Product Management for OPW Engineered Systems

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Disconnects: Technology Compared

The Next Generation of Couplings and Disconnects

Safe an Sound Operation

Poppet-Style Design

Ball- Valve-Style Design

The Final Frotier of Couplings?